Main Summary: Pt 2 of this book review unveils the true call of Jesus—complete obedience, radical surrender, and a life that multiplies. It challenges surface-level Christianity and guides believers into authentic discipleship rooted in Scripture, shaped by suffering, and expressed through reproduction.
Lessons You’ll Learn From This Post
- Jesus and Obedience
- Jesus and Suffering
- Following Jesus in Total Submission
- Following Jesus by the Mastery of His Word
- Following Jesus’ Teachings
- Following Jesus’ Way of Life
- Following Jesus in Reproducing Disciples
The cross is not jewelry—it’s the death sentence of your old life.
Jesus and Obedience
- Obedience has become a misunderstood and even unpopular concept in modern Christianity, often seen as “legalism” or “works-based religion.”
- Jesus never separated love from obedience—He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
- Obedience is not opposed to grace—it is the natural fruit of grace and evidence of genuine faith.
- Many have adopted a distorted view of Christianity where obedience is seen as optional or burdensome, rather than joyful.
- Jesus gave His disciples a New Covenant mandate: to obey everything He commanded, not just believe in Him intellectually.
- Friendship with Jesus is based on obedience: “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14).
- The author critiques the “application mindset” in Bible teaching—where people are invited to apply God’s Word only when they feel ready—instead of being called to obey it as truth.
- True discipleship he says, leads to transformed living through loving obedience, not selective application or casual spirituality.
Also read Are You a Christian or a Disciple by Edward N Gross [Summary] Pt1
Jesus doesn’t negotiate terms with His followers. He commands total submission.
Jesus and Suffering
- Suffering is a non-negotiable part of following Jesus—He clearly warned His disciples they would face hatred and hardship for His name.
- The cross is not a decorative symbol or fashion piece—it represents a life of sacrifice, dying to self, and enduring persecution.
- Paul, known as the apostle of suffering, taught that suffering was a normal part of the Christian experience and essential for spiritual growth.
- Every church Paul planted was reminded of the inevitability of suffering (Acts 14:22).
- The early Church was shaped through tribulation, not comfort. Today’s Church must return to embracing suffering as part of discipleship.
- Satan actively opposes true disciples, but God’s plan allows suffering as a refining and maturing tool.
- Revelation reveals how the suffering Church will ultimately triumph—suffering is temporary, but the glory to come is eternal.
- Disciples must stop avoiding suffering and start embracing it as part of their witness and walk with Christ.
Even you can memorize Scripture—because discipleship is not for the gifted, but for the willing.
Following Jesus in Total Submission
- True discipleship requires full, radical submission to Jesus—nothing less. Half-hearted Christianity is foreign to the New Testament.
- Total submission means surrendering all areas of life: thoughts, emotions, speech, relationships, possessions, and plans.
- The idea of personal autonomy is foreign to discipleship. You no longer own yourself; you belong fully to Jesus.
- Jesus calls for submission in speech and attitude. Even the tone of your words and your moods should be subject to Him.
- Quoting John 13:17, the author reiterates that blessing is tied to obedience: “You will be blessed if you do them.”
- Jesus says, “I know your deeds”—He sees beyond words to actions, beyond intentions to outcomes.
- The author raises a haunting question: “Does Jesus set your mood?” This reveals how deeply discipleship touches one’s inner life.
- Total submission is not legalism—it is love expressed through surrender. Anything less is not authentic discipleship.
Also read Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren [Summary]
The Beatitudes are not suggestions—they are the DNA of a disciple’s heart.
Following Jesus by the Mastery of His Word
- First-century disciples memorized their rabbi’s teachings. Likewise, Jesus expects His followers today to internalize His Word deeply.
- Memorizing Scripture is a lost art in the Church—one that must be recovered for true discipleship.
- Scripture memory isn’t just about mental recall—it’s about transformation. God’s Word hidden in the heart shapes your thoughts, speech, and decisions.
- Jesus often quoted Scripture from memory. His followers should aim to do the same, especially the commands He gave to His disciples.
- Excuses about poor memory or lack of time aren’t good enough for anyone who wants to grow in Christ.
- Biblical meditation, which includes memorization and reflection, strengthens the disciple’s walk and helps them hear God more clearly.
- Mastering the Word enables you to speak with authority, resist temptation, disciple others effectively, and stand firm in persecution.
- Discipleship isn’t built on inspiration alone—it’s built on Word-saturated minds and lives.
Disciples don’t just believe what Jesus said—they live how Jesus lived.
Following Jesus’ Teachings
- Jesus did not dismiss the Old Testament; He fulfilled it and taught His disciples how to rightly understand and live it.
- Disciples must embrace Jesus’ interpretation of Scripture, including His ethical demands and spiritual insights from the Old Testament.
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is a central curriculum in Jesus’ school of discipleship—it redefines blessing, righteousness, and obedience.
- The Beatitudes describe the kind of people God blesses—poor in spirit, meek, pure in heart, and hungry for righteousness.
- Jesus calls His disciples “salt and light,” meaning their lives should preserve moral truth and shine in spiritual darkness.
- He affirmed the Law but elevated its meaning, calling for internal transformation, not just external compliance.
- Disciples are not just students of Scripture; they are participants in God’s unfolding story, interpreting life through Christ’s lens.
Also read 25 Truths About Demons and Spiritual Warfare by David Diga Hernandez [Summary] Pt2
You can’t follow the way of the Cross and cling to the ways of comfort.
Following Jesus’ Way of Life
- Discipleship isn’t just about what Jesus taught—it’s also about how He lived. Disciples imitate their Master’s way of life.
- Jesus frequently spoke about key areas of human living: money, power, relationships, honor, and religious traditions.
- On possessions, Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth and called for radical generosity and trust in God’s provision.
- On power and force, Jesus rejected coercion and modeled servant leadership—He never forced people into belief.
- On honor, He turned the world’s status systems upside down, teaching that the greatest is the servant of all.
- On relationships, He taught detachment from family and social approval when they compete with loyalty to Him.
- On spirituality, Jesus resisted empty religious traditions, calling for sincere hearts over public displays.
- Suffering was part of Jesus’ way of life—and it will be part of His followers’ lives too.
Discipleship is not complete until the disciple becomes a disciple-maker.
Following Jesus in Reproducing Disciples
- The final mark of true discipleship is reproduction—disciples make more disciples. This was Jesus’ strategy for reaching the world.
- Jesus didn’t rely on institutions—He invested in individuals who would multiply His life through others.
- The process of making disciples involves four key steps:
- Calling people to follow Jesus
- Training them in obedience to His commands
- Modeling the life of Christ
- Sending them out to do the same
- Three vital reminders for making disciples:
- Start small and personal
- Stay rooted in Jesus’ method
- Don’t wait for permission—start where you are
- The time to make disciples is now, and you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be available.
- The Great Commission is not a church program; it’s the personal mission of every follower of Christ.
This book is a bold, prophetic call to return to the real Jesus and His real mission. The author shows that being a Christian is not the same as being a disciple—and that the difference is eternity-shaping. If you’re ready to move beyond religious routine into radical, life-transforming faith, this book serves as both a mirror and a map. It’s time to unlock the forgotten room and follow Jesus fully as a disciple who makes disciples.
Finally, here is a question we’d love you to answer.
What would change if your entire life was surrendered to Jesus?
We would love to hear from you. Please leave your answer and comment in the comment box below.
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